Missing Student Notification Policy

In accordance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, Aquinas College has established the following Missing Student Notification Policy for students who reside in on-campus housing facilities. This policy outlines the procedures for reporting, investigating, and making required notifications regarding students who may be missing. 

 

Definition of Missing Student

For purposes of this policy, a student residing in on-campus housing is considered a “missing student” if the student has been absent for 24 hours or more without any known reason, or sooner if circumstances warrant concern for the student’s safety.

A student may also be considered missing if their absence is inconsistent with their normal pattern of behavior and/or unusual circumstances suggest the possibility of risk. These circumstances may include, but are not limited to:

• Possible victim of foul play
• Expressions of suicidal thoughts
• Concerns related to drug or alcohol use
• Evidence of a life-threatening situation
• Association with individuals who may endanger the student

 

Confidential Contact Information

For students under the age of 18 who are not emancipated, the College will notify a custodial parent or legal guardian in addition to the confidential contact person.

 

Reporting a Missing Student

Any member of the College community who has reason to believe that a student is missing should immediately contact Campus Safety at (616-632-2462).

Campus Safety will document the report and collect, at a minimum:

• Name, contact information, and relationship of the reporting party
• Each student residing in on-campus housing has the option to designate a confidential contact person to be notified if the student is determined to be missing.
• This information is collected through the College’s housing assignment process (StarRez).
• Confidential contact information is maintained securely and is accessible only to authorized campus officials.
• This information will be disclosed only to law enforcement personnel in furtherance of a missing person investigation.
• Students may update their confidential contact information at any time through the housing system.
• Date, time, and location the student was last seen
• The student’s known contact information

Investigation Procedures

Upon receiving a report, Campus Safety will initiate an immediate investigation, which may include, but is not limited to:

• Conducting a welfare check of the student’s residence hall room
• Contacting Resident Assistants (RAs), roommates, and peers
• Attempting contact via phone, text, and email
• Reviewing class attendance and campus employment information
• Checking common campus locations (e.g., residence halls, dining areas, library, fitness center, parking areas)
• Obtaining a recent photograph of the student
• Contacting known associates and reviewing publicly available social media

 

Notification Procedures

If a student is determined to be missing, the following notifications will occur:

• The student’s designated confidential contact person will be notified within 24 hours of the determination that the student is missing.
• If the student is under 18 and not emancipated, a custodial parent or legal guardian will also be notified within 24 hours.
• The College will notify the Grand Rapids Police Department or the appropriate local law enforcement agency immediately and no later than 24 hours after the student is determined to be missing, unless that agency made the determination.

These notifications will be made regardless of whether the student has designated a confidential contact.

 

Located Students

If the missing student is located, Campus Safety will verify the student’s status and well-being. The student will be encouraged to contact the reporting party and their designated confidential contact.

 

Non-Residential Students

This policy applies to students residing in on-campus housing. For commuter students believed to be missing, individuals are encouraged to contact local law enforcement. The College will assist law enforcement agencies as appropriate.